Nostalgic about moving-on moments
my mind lingers at throwback scenes
milestones surpassing oblivion challenge.
1974... Kindergarten toga and cap propelled my steps
toward big brother’s elementary campus
midst anticipation of sumptuous recess-snacks.
1981... Triumphantly leading alma mater pledge
I then saluted fellow graduates
eager to roam along high school corridors.
1985... Absorbed by prepared valedictory address
my heart could never stop tears, yet I managed still
since commencement song would soon reverberate.
1989... Grateful to parents, my perpetual mentors
I handed their partnership university diploma and cum laude pin
delighting them for scholarship returns, indeed grants from the Lord.
1999... Charged with “Enter to learn, go forth to serve” pursuits
my faith accepted Bible College graduation's quest
Thus, I press* on, furthering kingdom of God --- all by His grace.
*Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Narrative in Tristich form
March 24, 2023
we’ve taught you everything and more ~ but nothing can prepare you for man
By
David Kavanagh
Commencement frees the sprit within
Lurking dormant beneath our skin
Sentenced to prisons they call school
Liberation's rejoicing, spirit's fuel
At my college graduation
There most likely was a speech,
But my memory of whose it was
Is simply out of reach.
Yet today celebrities can claim
Commencement’s greatest prize –
All those celebrating graduates
To bolster and advise.
Surely Conan, Oprah, Ellen
Would a nifty speech produce
But I envy those who listened
To a talk by Dr. Seuss.
It was many years ago, it’s true
And I just read a part of it
But just as you’d expect,
Some perfect rhyme was at the heart of it.
Had I been there, I can guarantee
That I would recollect
Both the message and his manner
And more words than you’d expect.
But instead, my graduation day
Has faded from my mind,
Though I’ll bet there was some wisdom
That the speaker hoped we’d find.
That composition's dispose of consent
so validation's placement of content
the turf of undeniable distaff ~
complacency ~ that nothing's turning . . . flat!
What time be errant, as a scoffing's path,
forever scolding, no change, favored last,
no vote, no compromise, arguing's math
decision's intervention, lags with wrath!
I cast the lot, ascension so comprise
in legislative searching, legal draft
one summaries allegation, senses staff
concerns Republic ration ~ must not half!
That values intimation forms enact
the source of restoration, rightful save
that now, be resurrected from it's grave
and brought to constitution, not enslave!
Cope heartily with creation, open, have
with in each Season's bounty, we commence
as thus in love, our merit Godly, ask
the countenance of justice, to the task!
The balance of our virtue, still contrasts
while all our enmity further . . . moves too fast!
They laughed at one another
as they threw their mortar boards aloft,
and dared to kiss the girl goodbye,
though she had spurned them
in the dry years underneath the towers,
Now boys no more, and war much brighter
than their lust for adolescent loveliness,
the bus and train will take them to a new domain
where pleasure girls will lie for them,
compressed in six short weekends hence,
until possessed with skill to kill, men pack their gear
to fly across the globe and die in puzzlement,
identified, and boxed and neatly laid
to rest beneath a cool and restless shade.
~
You ask me if I want a latte
And I ask you to please rip your face off this time
Because I can hear the light inside you
Dying to get out.
Courtesy has become a sort of madness
Unless it be wild courtesy:
Running, hurling yourself
Through the air holding a cup and saucer
In the direction of a favorite loved one.
Giving money to everyone.
Desireless bliss.
Imagine needing nothing.
Under the ground.
Without a sound.
And the levitation will begin.
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